Assam: NIA arrests key ULFA (I) operative in I-Day IED recovery case
The operation was intelligence-based and led to the recovery of incriminating materials, including digital devices, from his house.
DIBRUGARH ( By Anil Poddar ) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday arrested a key operative of the banned terrorist organization ULFA (I) for planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Guwahati, Assam, during the 2024 Independence Day celebrations.
In a coordinated operation with Assam Police, NIA teams conducted a search at the residence of Jahnu Baruah, alias Arnab Axom, in Dibrugarh during the early hours of the day. The operation was intelligence-based and led to the recovery of incriminating materials, including digital devices, from his house.
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These items are currently under examination. Baruah was summoned to the local police establishment for questioning, following which he was arrested as per due procedure.
As per the press release issued by NIA, during preliminary interrogation, the accused confessed to planting four of the 11 IEDs recovered by Assam Police during the Independence Day celebrations.
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The IEDs were planted in response to a boycott call and military protest issued by Paresh Baruah, SS C-in-C of ULFA (I). A video released by ULFA (I) had warned of severe consequences for defying the boycott call. The four IEDs planted by Baruah were located in Pan Bazar, Dispur, Gandhi Mandap, and Satgaon in Guwahati.
Jahnu Baruah had been under surveillance for several weeks and was identified by the NIA as a suspect based on technical and human intelligence. He was involved in the collection and transportation of the IEDs, which were intended to trigger large-scale explosions, causing loss of life and property and inciting terror in the state.
The NIA took over the investigation of the case from Assam Police on September 17, 2024, and found that the IEDs were planted under the directives of Aishang Asom, alias Abhijit Gogoi, and other top ULFA (I) leaders. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
